The rise of drink spiking
The Rise of Drink Spiking
Drink spiking has become increasingly common since students returned to university last month.
This dangerous and serious act of violence effects many students across the country each year. Spiking is defined by Nottinghamshire Police as when āalcohol or drugs are added to someoneās drink without their knowledge.ā
Either done as a prank or done with a more malicious intent, such as robbery or sexual assault, spiking a drink is a criminal offence. If found guilty the maximum sentence is 10 years in prison which would be extended if another crime is committed to the victim of the āspikeā.
89% of students are concerned about their drink being spiked – when gauging the opinions of a group of over 60 university students, the overwhelming majority said that whilst on a night out, they were concerned about their drink being spiked.
Furthermore, 42% of university students were more hesitant to go out due to the increase in drink spiking. This percentage is shockingly high, and it is evident that this issue is adding unneeded anxiety to the student experience.
Nottinghamshire police are currently in the process of rolling out a training program to all bars/venues, door staff, taxi marshals and McDonaldās workers within the city centre to help them recognize if and when someone is vulnerable and provide them with the appropriate support.
NTSU’s VP Community and Welfare, Zoe Mallett said: “There is often an increase in suspected drink spiking as students return in Freshers.Ā In many cases there are other factors responsible for example intoxication caused by drinking in different ways or for longer periods that normal.Ā
“There will also sometimes be confirmed cases, although we have had none that we are aware of in our venues so far this year. However, we are not complacent as other cases can go unconfirmed for many reasons.”
She added: “Responsible venues like our own participate in best practice schemes such as Best Bar None, and PubWatch to ensure we are doing everything we can to provide safe environments our members to enjoy themselves.Ā
“Safety measures include enhanced numbers of security and other staffing, training, bottle toppers, comprehensive CCTV and risk management processes.Ā
“Throughout Freshers trained medics worked at all our large scale events and attended any students who felt unwell, no cases of spiking were confirmed.”Ā
Anyone who suspects drink spiking should contact the Police, or emergency/medical services.Ā The Studentsā UnionĀ Information & Advice ServiceĀ andĀ NTU student servicesĀ can provide individual guidance and support along with independent organisations such asĀ Victim SupportĀ and theĀ Topaz centre.Ā Further guidance information on this topic can be found atĀ DrinkAwareĀ and theĀ Police.
What are the signs you could have been spiked?
The signs and symptoms can vary depending on what the drink has been spiked with but if you or someone you are concerned about is displaying the below symptoms provided by Drink Aware, seek help.Ā
- Loss of balance ā dizziness and the feeling of spinning or moving when standing/sitting still
- Visual problems ā such as double vision or blurred vision
- Confusion ā unsure of what is happening or has happened
- Nausea ā stomach discomfort and the sensation of wanting/needing to vomit
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
What to do if you think you have been spiked?
- Alert a member of staff at the bar or club.
- Try to find someone you know and trust – tell them the situation.
- If you feel unwell you should seek medical attention immediately and tell them that you believe your drink has been spiked.
How to help someone who you think has been spiked?
- Alert a member of staff at the bar or club.
- Stay with them and keep talking to them.
- Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates.
- Do not let them go home on their own or leave the venue with someone you donāt know or trust.
- If possible, try and prevent them drinking more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems.
Reporting the incident
If you or someone you were with thinks that they were spiked it is important to act quickly and report it to the police as soon as possible.
Drugs can leave the body in as little as 12 hours after consumption, so itās encouraged to be treated and report it quickly.
Memory can sometimes be affected but try and remember details such as:
- Do you know who spiked your drink?
- If you donāt know who spiked your drink, do you remember what they looked like, or any other details about them?
- What happened throughout the evening, and after your drink was spiked?
- Was anything taken from you?
- Were you physically attacked?
It is important to remember that having your drink spiked is not the victimās fault and can happen to anyone.Ā
This crime goes vastly unreported due to memory loss or embarrassment; even if you cannot remember everything or feel embarrassed, still report the incident.
By Elicia GregoryĀ
Feature Image:Ā Unsplash
